Universe of Subjects as mapped in different Schemes of classification

 Universe of Subjects in Library Classification Schemes

The Universe of Subjects refers to the totality of knowledge and topics that a classification scheme aims to categorize. Different library classification schemes map this universe of subjects in various ways, depending on their theoretical frameworks, principles, and goals. These schemes organize knowledge in hierarchical or faceted structures, enabling users to locate and retrieve materials effectively.

Here’s an overview of how the Universe of Subjects is mapped in major library classification schemes like Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Universal Decimal Classification (UDC), and Colon Classification (CC):

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1. Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)

The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, created by Melvil Dewey, is one of the most widely used library classification systems. It divides the universe of subjects into ten main classes, each of which is subdivided into more specific categories. These classes are further divided into divisions and sections to reflect the detailed structure of knowledge.

Mapping the Universe of Subjects in DDC:

000 – General Works: This class includes works on bibliography, libraries, information, computer science, and general encyclopedic works.

100 – Philosophy and Psychology: Covers philosophy, logic, ethics, metaphysics, and psychology.

200 – Religion: Divided into the study of different religions, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and so on.

300 – Social Sciences: Topics include economics, sociology, law, politics, education, and social issues.

400 – Language: Covers linguistics, language studies, dictionaries, and language learning.

500 – Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Includes subjects like mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, and other natural sciences.

600 – Technology and Applied Sciences: Includes engineering, medical sciences, agriculture, home economics, and industrial technologies.

700 – The Arts: Encompasses visual arts, performing arts, music, sports, and leisure activities.

800 – Literature: Covers works of literature, rhetoric, grammar, and literary criticism.

900 – History and Geography: Includes history, geography, travel, and related studies.

Each of these broad categories is subdivided into more specific classes and sub-classes. For instance, 500 (Natural Sciences) includes categories for 510 (Mathematics), 520 (Astronomy), 530 (Physics), and so on.

Key Features of DDC in Mapping Subjects:

Hierarchical Structure: Knowledge is categorized from general to specific, with broad classes at the top and detailed subdivisions underneath.

Decimal Notation: Decimal numbers are used for classification, enabling easy expansion and adaptation as new subjects emerge.

Fixed Structure: DDC has a more rigid structure, with fixed categories and subdivisions that are periodically revised.

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2. Universal Decimal Classification (UDC)

The Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) is an expansion and refinement of DDC. It was developed by Paul Otlet and Henri La Fontaine and is used internationally for organizing diverse types of information. UDC is more detailed and flexible than DDC, using a combination of numbers, symbols, and punctuation marks to represent more complex relationships between subjects.

Mapping the Universe of Subjects in UDC:

000 – Generalities: Includes works on computers, libraries, general works, and artificial intelligence.

100 – Philosophy: Covers philosophy, psychology, ethics, and logic.

200 – Religion: Encompasses studies of religion, theology, and different religious practices.

300 – Social Sciences: Deals with economics, law, sociology, politics, and demographics.

400 – Languages: Covers linguistics, language studies, and dictionaries.

500 – Science: Includes fields like mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and biology.

600 – Technology: Covers applied sciences, engineering, medicine, and agriculture.

700 – Arts: Encompasses visual arts, performing arts, music, sports, and leisure activities.

800 – Literature: Focuses on literature, literary criticism, and various genres of writing.

900 – History: Includes historical studies, geography, and related topics.

Key Differences in UDC:

Complex Notation: UDC uses an alphanumeric system with decimal points and auxiliary symbols (such as / and +) to represent the relationships between different subjects. This allows more flexibility for combining multiple aspects of a subject.

Flexibility: UDC is more adaptable and facilitates interdisciplinary classifications, making it suitable for handling complex and emerging fields.

International Scope: UDC is designed to be universal, making it suitable for libraries and institutions around the world, with minimal cultural bias.

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3. Colon Classification (CC)

The Colon Classification (CC), developed by S.R. Ranganathan, is based on a faceted approach to organizing knowledge. Instead of dividing knowledge into rigid classes, it breaks down subjects into independent, meaningful facets, which are then combined to form specific subjects.

Mapping the Universe of Subjects in CC:

In Colon Classification, knowledge is represented using a set of primary facets, which can be combined to create subject classifications. These primary facets are:

P – Personality: The individual or collective entity that is the subject of study (e.g., author, historical figure, society).

M – Matter: The material or substance being studied (e.g., biological organism, chemical compound, social issue).

E – Energy: The forces or phenomena that affect or influence the matter (e.g., physical, biological, or psychological energy).

S – Space: The geographical or physical setting (e.g., location, region, country).

T – Time: The historical period, time span, or temporal aspect (e.g., historical event, era).

Each subject is mapped as a combination of these facets. For example:

P(M)S: A subject related to a person (P) and a matter (M) in a specific space (S).

M(E)T: A subject that involves a material (M) and energy (E) over time (T).

Key Features of CC:

Faceted Classification: The universe of subjects is mapped based on various independent aspects or facets that can be combined in flexible ways.

Colon Notation: Uses colons to separate different facets, making it a highly adaptable system.

Complexity: Offers detailed and nuanced classification, particularly for interdisciplinary or complex topics.

Personalization: Focuses on the importance of the individual or entity (Personality) in relation to the subject, making it highly suitable for areas like literature, biography, and history.

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Comparison of Mapping the Universe of Subjects

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Conclusion

Each library classification scheme maps the universe of subjects in a distinct way, reflecting its underlying principles, theoretical approach, and goals. DDC offers a straightforward, hierarchical division of knowledge, while UDC allows for more detailed and complex representations, and CC employs a faceted approach to provide flexibility in categorizing multi-dimensional subjects. These systems help in organizing knowledge in ways that make it accessible to library users, supporting efficient retrieval and discovery of resources.